If you’re an artist or a watercolour enthusiast, you’ve probably come across the name Daniel Smith. Known for their high-quality watercolour paints, Daniel Smith has gained a reputation for producing vibrant and versatile pigments that artists love. We were lucky enough to have a visit from John Cogley, the owner of Daniel Smith, who took us behind the scenes and shared valuable insights into the paint-making process.

Today, we will share the fascinating world of Daniel Smith Watercolour Paints. We will explore the intricate process behind creating these exceptional paints and how they empower artists to bring their visions to life. From carefully selected pigments to meticulous manufacturing techniques, Daniel Smith is committed to providing artists with the highest quality materials. So, let’s embark on a journey through the secrets and artistry of Daniel Smith Watercolour Paints.

The Artist’s Influence

At the heart of Daniel Smith’s philosophy lies a deep appreciation for the artist. Their entire creative process is centred around understanding and enhancing the artist’s expression. By offering an extensive range of colours, Daniel Smith aims to provide artists with the tools they need to convey their unique perspectives to the world. The artist’s voice serves as the foundation for Daniel Smith’s existence, making their products a testament to the power of artistic creativity.

Pigments: Sourcing Beauty

To create their exquisite watercolour paints, Daniel Smith carefully sources pigments from around the world. Pigments can either be natural or synthetic, and both have their unique qualities. Natural pigments, such as the cherished Lapis lazuli, provide a genuine and organic feel to the colours. On the other hand, synthetic pigments like Pyrroles, Perylenes, and Quinacridones offer excellent lightfastness and durability, making them ideal for long-lasting artworks.

PrimaTeks: A Journey into Nature’s Palette

Daniel Smith’s PrimaTek range stands out for its captivating use of minerals. By working closely with mineralogists, Daniel Smith acquires beautiful mineral specimens that are imperfect yet rich in character. These minerals undergo a meticulous process of extraction and refinement, resulting in pigments that display natural granulation, adding depth and texture to the paintings. PrimaTeks exemplify the harmonious collaboration between art and the beauty of the Earth.

Renewable and Sustainable Materials

Concerns about sustainability are essential in today’s world, and John addresses these concerns thoughtfully. Minerals used in the production of their pigments are renewable resources, thanks to the inexorable forces of geology—pressure and time. However, limitations may arise due to land usage or natural disasters like flooding which can render a mine unusable. Nevertheless, the sustainable practices implemented by Daniel Smith ensure that these resources continue to be responsibly utilized for artistic purposes.

From Crystal to Pigment

The journey from a raw mineral to a refined pigment is a meticulous one. The process starts with cleaving, a gentle technique that carefully breaks apart crystals into smaller pieces to preserve their vibrancy. John emphasizes this method over quicker alternatives to prevent damage to the crystals, as their unique properties are crucial in producing captivating colours. Subsequent steps include hammer milling and ball milling, which further refine the pigments to achieve the desired particle size for optimum performance in the paint.

French Ultramarine and Ultramarine

Daniel Smith’s collection features an array of captivating blues, including French Ultramarine and Ultramarine. While both pigments belong to the same chemical family (PB 29), their particle size sets them apart. French Ultramarine has larger particles, leading to warm tones when hit by light. In contrast, Ultramarine with smaller particles exhibits cooler tones. These subtle differences offer artists a wide spectrum of blues to create the desired mood and atmosphere in their paintings.

The Art of Manufacturing

Creating paint is akin to baking a cake, as each ingredient must be carefully measured and mixed to achieve perfection. Daniel Smith employs advanced mixing equipment to blend distilled water, pigment, and Gum Arabic, the binding agent. The mixture undergoes thorough wetting out, ensuring the even distribution of pigments and eliminating any air bubbles. Dispersion milling guarantees a consistent and smooth paint consistency, making the colours a pleasure to work with.

Quality Control – Ensuring Excellence

Daniel Smith’s commitment to quality is unwavering. Throughout the manufacturing process, rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure every batch meets the highest standards. Expert chemists and floor specialists conduct meticulous tests and measurements, verifying colour accuracy, consistency, and lightfastness. This attention to detail guarantees that artists receive paints of exceptional quality and reliability.

Daniel Smith Watercolour Paints are more than mere art supplies; they are the result of an intricate collaboration between nature’s beauty and human artistry. From sourcing the finest pigments to employing refined manufacturing techniques, Daniel Smith enables artists to unleash their creativity with confidence. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an experienced professional, Daniel Smith Watercolour Paints offer a world of vibrant colours and endless possibilities to explore. Embrace the artistry and experience the magic that awaits with Daniel Smith.

Read the other articles in this 3 post series:

Exploring the Colour Families of Daniel Smith Watercolours

How to Read a Daniel Smith Watercolour Colour Chart